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Art

Visual & Performing Arts

Photograhy

Photography

The Photography Department provides students with a fundamental knowledge, aesthetic, and technical skills necessary for occupations in photography.

Department Overview

The Photography Program at Laney College is designed to support both emerging shooters and seasoned professionals. Our rich, dynamic classes are led by experienced commercial professionals who bring decades of industry expertise to the classroom. With spacious, well-equipped studios and classrooms, students have access to the latest digital methods for image capture, processing, and production.

Our program offers an unparalleled experience, combining high-quality gear with hands-on learning in an environment where creativity thrives. Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your skills, all are welcome to join and elevate their craft.

Career Opportunities

A photography degree can open up various career opportunities in the creative industry. Here are some potential career options for individuals with a photography degree:

  1. Commercial Photographer: Work in advertising, marketing, or editorial photography, creating images for clients or publications.
  2. Portrait Photographer: Specialize in capturing portraits for individuals or families, working in studios or on location.
  3. Wedding Photographer: Capture special moments on couples' big days, documenting weddings and related events.
  4. Fashion Photographer: Collaborate with designers, models, and stylists to create compelling images for the fashion industry.
  5. Photojournalist: Tell stories through images, documenting events, news, and social issues for newspapers, magazines, or online platforms.
  6. Fine Art Photographer: Create artistic and expressive photographs for galleries, exhibitions, and personal projects.
  7. Product Photographer: Work with businesses to showcase their products through visually appealing images for marketing and e-commerce.
  8. Freelance Photographer: Pursue a self-employed career, taking on various projects across different genres, such as events, portraits, or commercial work.
  9. Travel Photographer: Combine a passion for photography with a love for travel, capturing images of landscapes, cultures, and people from around the world.
  10. Photo Editor or Retoucher: Use your post-processing skills to enhance and edit images for photographers, publications, or agencies.
  11. Curator or Gallery Manager: Work in art galleries, museums, or cultural institutions, managing and curating photography exhibitions.
  12. Educator or Workshop Instructor: Share your knowledge and skills by teaching photography at schools, workshops, or through online platforms.
  13. Digital Imaging Specialist: Work in industries like advertising or printing, managing and optimizing digital images for various applications.
  14. Media Production: Contribute to film or video production as a still photographer, capturing images for promotional materials, behind-the-scenes content, or documentaries.
  15. Social Media Content Creator: Use your photography skills to create engaging content for social media platforms, either for personal branding or as a social media manager for businesses.

It's important to note that the photography industry is competitive, and many photographers often combine several of these roles or diversify their skills to enhance their marketability. Networking, building a strong portfolio, and staying updated on industry trends are crucial for success in this field.

Contact Us

Department Chair
Michael Mejia
Email: mmejia@peralta.edu
Phone: (510) 541-7880

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Dean
Elizabeth Maher
Email: emaher@peralta.edu

Learning & Career Pathway
Visual & Performing Arts

Division
Liberal Arts

Location
Building A

Degree & Certificates

Photography Degree
Photography - A.A. Degree

This Degree prepares students for careers as commercial photographers.  The program provides the visual literacy, language, and skills required within the photography industry and serves as a foundation for continued education at 4-year institutions.

 

Laney photography
Darkroom Photography - Certificate of Proficiency

This Certificate is designed to instruct students in the principles of traditional darkroom film and provide opportunity for skill achievement and portfolio development. 

 

Laney Photography 2
Photographic Foundations - Certificate of Achievement

This Certificate is designed to instruct students in the principles of digital capture of composition Natural, Available, Continuous, and Strobe light and its development. 

 

Laney photography 3
Photography - Certificate of Achievement

This Certificate prepares students for careers as commercial photographers.  The program provides the visual literacy, language, and skills required within the photography industry and serves as a foundation for continued education at 4-year institutions. 

 

Laney photography 4
Professional Lighting - Certificate of Achievement

This Certificate builds an expanded awareness of light and its properties with a full variety of sources such as available light, strobe and continuous electronic appliances, adjunctive equipment and set building in the Studio and on location, their selected application to a highly complex state, and the business skills and methods needed to work at a professional level.

 

Faculty

Laney College Enrollment (3)

Unlock Financial Aid for College Expenses

Explore the possibilities and find the financial resources you need to succeed.
Transfer To A University

Laney College's AA-T and AS-T degrees guarantee junior standing admission to the CSU system, with priority for local CSU campuses in similar programs. Consult a counselor or transfer specialist for details.

Meet With A Counselor

Counselors can help you create a Student Educational Plan (SEP) to outline the courses needed for an Associate’s degree, transfer, or certificate, even if you're unsure of your educational goals.

Uncertain About Your Career Path?

We provide support with career exploration, self-assessment as well as the major and career decision making process to help all Laney students achieve career satisfaction and success.